The figures above are averages for all workers—but in general, it’s true that almost all education or training investments will help you earn more money. Still, some options cost more than others. And some will pay off more than others.

So how do you know a particular training program or school is worth the money?

Use these sources to research the value of a training program or school:

• Visit College Scorecard to see the average annual cost for the school you want to attend. You'll also be able to see students' typical total debt amounts, typical monthly debt payments, and typical salaries after graduation. Look at all of the information provided on this website to help you figure out if the school would be a good investment for you.
• Visit with admissions and financial aid staff at your schools of choice. Ask about total costs, graduation rates, loan amounts, and employment of graduates.
• Check to see if a school or program is accredited by visiting their website or the U.S. Department of Education’s Accreditation Search.